DRDO Transfers Advanced Naval Steel Technologies to SAIL, Reinforcing India’s Defence Self-Reliance

India has achieved another significant milestone in its journey towards defence self-reliance with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), transferring three advanced materials technologies to the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The move is expected to strengthen the country’s indigenous capability to manufacture specialised steel required for naval warships and submarines, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for strategic defence materials.

The technology transfer highlights the growing collaboration between India’s defence research institutions and its industrial sector. It reflects the government’s broader vision of building a robust domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of meeting the country’s long-term strategic needs.

One of the key technologies transferred is the manufacturing process for DMR-249A and DMR-249BK grade steel billets. These specialised billets will now be produced at SAIL’s Alloy Steel Plant in Durgapur. Designed for demanding defence applications, these billets serve as the foundation for manufacturing critical components used in naval ships and submarines. Their exceptional strength, durability and resistance to harsh marine conditions make them ideal for military platforms that must operate in challenging environments for extended periods.

In addition to the steel billet technology, DMRL has transferred the manufacturing technology for DMR-249B steel plates with thickness ranging from 8 mm to 30 mm. Production of these advanced steel plates will take place at SAIL’s Alloy Steel Plant in Durgapur as well as the Rourkela Steel Plant. These plates are specifically engineered for specialised naval construction, where structural integrity, weldability and toughness are essential for ensuring the safety and operational effectiveness of warships.

The successful development of these advanced steel grades represents years of scientific research and metallurgical innovation by DMRL. Defence-grade steel requires highly specialised properties that go beyond conventional industrial steel. It must withstand extreme mechanical stress, corrosion from seawater, varying temperatures and potential combat damage while maintaining structural stability throughout its service life.

By enabling SAIL to manufacture these materials domestically, India is enhancing the reliability of its defence supply chain. Indigenous production ensures greater control over quality standards, faster availability of strategic materials and reduced vulnerability to international supply disruptions. This capability is particularly important as India continues to modernise its naval fleet and expand indigenous shipbuilding programmes.

The formal transfer of technology was marked by the signing of the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT). The agreement was handed over to SAIL by Dr R. V. Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), DRDO, in the presence of Dr R. Balamuralikrishnan, Director of DMRL. The ceremony symbolised the successful transition of advanced defence research from laboratory development to industrial production.

Technology transfer has become an increasingly important component of India’s defence manufacturing strategy. Instead of limiting innovations to research institutions, DRDO has been actively sharing proven technologies with public and private sector industries to encourage large-scale production. This approach not only accelerates defence manufacturing but also strengthens India’s industrial capabilities in high-value engineering sectors.

SAIL has played a crucial role in supplying specialised steel for strategic industries, including defence, railways, energy and infrastructure. With the addition of these advanced defence steel technologies, the company is expected to further strengthen its contribution to India’s military modernisation programmes. The manufacturing expertise available at the Durgapur and Rourkela facilities provides a strong foundation for producing these sophisticated steel grades according to stringent defence specifications.

The Indian Navy is undergoing rapid expansion through the induction of indigenous aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines and other advanced platforms. Each of these programmes requires specialised materials capable of delivering high performance under demanding operational conditions. The availability of domestically produced defence-grade steel will help streamline production schedules while supporting the country’s long-term maritime security objectives.

The initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes, which aim to promote indigenous design, development and manufacturing across critical sectors. Advanced materials form the backbone of modern defence technologies, making domestic expertise in metallurgy an essential element of national security.

Beyond defence, the successful commercialisation of these technologies demonstrates the strength of India’s scientific research ecosystem. It showcases how investments in research and development can generate practical industrial solutions with long-term economic and strategic benefits. The partnership between DRDO and SAIL also creates opportunities for future innovations in advanced materials, benefiting multiple sectors of the economy.

As geopolitical challenges continue to evolve, nations increasingly recognise the importance of securing domestic capabilities in strategic technologies. By transferring advanced metallurgical technologies to industry, DRDO is helping build a resilient defence manufacturing base capable of supporting India’s security requirements for decades to come.

The transfer of DMR-249A, DMR-249BK and DMR-249B manufacturing technologies is more than a routine licensing agreement. It represents a strategic investment in India’s industrial strength, scientific excellence and defence preparedness. With indigenous production of specialised naval steel becoming a reality, the country moves one step closer to achieving complete self-reliance in critical defence materials while strengthening the foundation of its future naval capabilities.